Ditch Marina & Bessy, Head To These Less Crowded, Lovely Beaches In Chennai Instead

Sudarsan posted on 07 April

If there is one thing Chennai can flaunt, it is Marina Beach. One of the world’s longest beaches, and the go-to destination for anyone visiting Chennai, Marina unfortunately isn’t the cleanest stretches of sand and ocean. It has also become the newest hotspot for protestors, so it isn’t the most date-worthy place anymore. There is the lighthouse, though, but, the promenade on Marina Beach is well lit, so nobody really depends on the lighthouse to guide their path. Then, there’s Elliots Beach or Bessy. This is soon becoming a mall with a view and a parking problem.

There is also the Tiruvanmiyur Beach, which is also slowly catching up to the commercialisation. It’s closer to residential spaces, so it’s not as crowded as Bessy or Marina. This is a prime location for citizens aged 60 and above to catch up and be fit with walking, jogging, and laughing in circles {with or without their pet dogs}. There’s activity as early as 4.30am, and this crowd stays till the sun is up and burning. If you’re looking to spend some time alone, with someone, or alone with someone on a beach, there are a few non-mainstream options as well.

Arundale Beach

It is unconfirmed if this is the actual name for this stretch of beach. The nomenclature stems from one of the roads that leads to this beach. It’s an extension of Bessy, but not as busy. There’s a famed Lakshmi temple close by, and the access to this beach is through a short, but spooky, path. It is not advisable to go here after sunset, unless you have flashlights and a lot of courage.

Tourist Attractions

Arundale Beach

Arundale Beach Road, Besant Nagar, Chennai

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4th Seaward Road

If you go down 4th Seaward Road {sea-ward, get it?} all the way till the road ends and turns a sharp right, you will reach a beach. This is Tiruvanmiyur Beach’s not so distant cousin. A lot of people come here to take pictures with their bikes, or just practice photoshoots with their new and expensive DSLRs. The area is better lit than Arundale, but if you’re planning to go here later than 9 pm, make other plans.

Tourist Attractions

Thiruvanmiyur Beach

Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Kottivakkam, Chennai

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Beaches Off East Coast Road

If you have a ride, then go for a long one down the ECR. The East Coast Road runs parallel to the right of the sea. Once you’ve crossed Injambakkam {VGP Resorts} and gone past the city limits, you will have a lot of options to turn left, away from the road and into the path leading to the beach. These places don’t really have specific names, and it might be difficult to use Google Maps. So, play it by the ear or eye, pack some water to stay hydrated, and get out that sunscreen!

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